The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-10-07
Farmers Encampments.
D. D T, MOORE.

Farmers Encampments.
ID T. MOORE.
In some of the Southern States Cen
campments" of farmers are now being
held. The objects. as announced, are
substantially as follows: To hear ad-
dresses from practical men who have
given special study to some particular
branch of agriculture; to see in actual
use the latest improved farm machin-
cry, which will be exhibited by manu-
iacturers from every section of the
Union; to exhibit and sell or exchange
their stock horses. cattle, sheep, swine,
etc ; to aid farmers who have not vet
secured improved domestic animals, by
showing them fine specimens of all the
different breeds, and in this way en-.
coarage spectators to "get the best for
their own use and breeding purposes;
and to stimulate and strengthen the
farmers organizations of the South by
putting new energy and determination
into the breast of every rural citizen
who attends the encampmeut. There
are no admission fees to the grounds,
nor any charges on the exhibits of
stock or farm products made by farmers,
and only a very moderate charge on
exhibitions of implements and machin-
cry.
The encampments strike us as likely
to prove very beneficial to the farming
interest If properly managed. IL ey
can scarcely fail of being instructive
and useful to the rural communities in
which they are held, and indeed to all
partlclpants-speakers and hearers, ex-
hlbltors and spectators, and sellers and
buyers. They combine the prominent
featuree Of farmers Institutes and clubs,
agricultural exhibitions, and also of the
sale or exchange fairs so common and
popular in Great Britain. The results
of these novel assemblages will nat
urally be awaited with great interest,
and if they shall prove as beneficial to
the rural people and communities of
the South as is anticipated, farmers en-.
campments will doubtless soon be in,
trodu,ed in other sections of the Union
and also in Canada. The plan certain
ly seems feasible, and if it shall be car.
red out judiciously-without the con
Eliminating adjuncts and influences of
liquor selling, horse racing. gambling,
etc.-it will naturally be recognized as
worthy of adoption by earnest friends
of agricultural improvement in various
parts of the continent.
Some may think that the plan is not
practicable, that it undertakes too much,
or too many good things at once. But
this objection is hardly valid. True,
perhaps all in attendance at an encamp.
ment might not be able to witness every
feature; but some could manage to hear
the addresses, see the exhibition, and
also be benefited by the sale or pur.
chase of animals, implements, or the
like. Others might be we'll paid for
attending an eneampment by the ben
eht derived from some one of its prom
inent features-either the addresses,
the exhibition proper, or the sale and
exchange department. Hence, while
we may be mistaken as to its practical
working, we are inclined to belive the
Farmers Encampment" a good insti-
tuition, and that our Southern brethren
are entitled to special credit for its in
auguration as factor in promoting the
cause of industrial improvement, and
the elevation of those engaged in agri.
cultural and kindred pursuits.
If any object that encampmen nts
might interfere with agricultural fairs,
or be superfuous in sections where the
latter are held. our reply is that little
or no harm could be done in that di.
rection. Indeed, there is no danger to
be apprehended from we'll conducted
agricultural exhibitions, discussions,
etc., anywhere, and the more organiza,
tions and displays we have calculated
to promote rural progress and improve.
ment, the better it will be for all en-.
gagged, or specially interested, in the
leading industrial occupation of the
country. Instead. therefore, of object
ing to farmers encampments as super
tiuous, or an unnecessary innovation,
let them be encourased-at least until
they shall, after fair trial, be found
wanting. And should they prove as
interesting and instructive to partici
pants and the public as many exp ect
their usefulness in facilitating the prog.